I have had some great opportunities in my lifetime. I've traveled to Jerusalem, Rome, Berlin, London, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Beijing, several cities in Canada, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago. I've been to 42 different states in the U.S. including Hawaii.
I have had the opportunity to attend and/or volunteer at some major events. I've sung with two groups in Carnegie Hall, I was a congeniality host at the 1999 International Special Olympic Games in Raleigh, N. C., was a volunteer at numerous PGA, WPGA, and Senior PGA events as well as the "Crosby" Golf Tournament that started at Pebble Beach and ended its tenure at Bermuda Run in Winston-Salem, N.C. While in Hong Kong, I was an observer and participant in a 7 day Chinese New Year Celebration;, and attended Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. I've helped in the building of 7 Habitat for Humanity homes in two different states. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Concours d'Elegance at Cobble Beach just north of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.
The people who put this event together invited me to "show" my 1956 BMW R26 motorcycle. I arrived at Cobble Beach a day before any of the activities began, and wandered around, as it was my first time in that part of the world. From the early stages, to the first welcoming event, through the registration process, numerous FABULOUS meals, the Concours itself, and the "after glow", I found the entire three plus days not only exciting, but rewarding beyond what words can describe. We had the opportunity to talk with and mingle with the other show participants. I thoroughly enjoyed the 60 plus kilometer event around the area, including the lunch inside the airport hangar midway through the trip.(truth be told it was corn on the cob, BBQ with slaw, and potato salad...I thought I was back in the "South")
One of the emphasis of the event was the interaction of the judges with the participants. We were all treated with respect, EVERY need was met, and the overall hospitality was second to none. I consider the event to be in its infancy, being only in its 6th year of existence. But from the organizers of the event, to the kitchen staff, to the maintenance crew, and even the vendors, not only did the participants find great joy and comfort, but I have already begun to think about ways to be invited back. I know I can always purchase a ticket to see next year's show. I am absolutely convinced that if I have the opportunity to do that next year, I will not hesitate.